This is my fourth year of using this fantastic recipe and it's been well received by everyone who has had a slice. "Best Christmas cake I've ever tasted" is a regular remark.
This is my 4th year making this cake - its always such a joy to come back to and my family have now made me the designated christmas cake baker and look forward to it each year x
Used this recipe for the last two Christmases 🎅 and always tastes amazing. Used it again for this year (currently in the oven) and have to say my whole house smells amazing. Would 100% recommend 👌 Thanks very much x
I made this cake last Christmas it was beautiful will make it again this Christmas . my friend tasted it loved it now she put a order in for this year .thank you it’s the best Christmas cake I’ve made . I make one every year found this recipe easygoing
My favorite ingredient for our Christmas fruit cake is: my Husband! It is based on his mother's dark fruit cake recipe which has strawberry jam and my addition orange juice. This moring he said it again "Just enough batter to hold the fruit together!" New method 2yrs ago melt butter/margarine, molasses(treacle), juice, jam in pot, cool. We wouldn't use mixed spice: use 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger, cinnamon 1 tbspn, 1 t nutmeg, 1/2 t cloves 1/4 t allspice. We do use bkg powder. No brandy. It is our Christmas gift to each other. We eat it all winter with an evening cuppa! Sharing with his sister this yr as they are moving and not going away to Florida. Covid shut down. We make this in a white cake as well, no dark fruit, light raisins, & almonds. We refrigerate this one as it goes moldy. That was a hard lesson to learn. Canadian fruit cake is as you call it, "naked". No extra sugar trim needed, we have pies too, for dessert. Mom did make hard sauce when she made plum pudding. We don't do plum pudding, I just eat my 3 prunes a day from the jar. Like another lady said our cake is about 4 times the fruit volume of yours & about your amount of batter. Three bowls of fruit ready for batter on the table now. The third cake is pound cake with glazed cherries and pineapple, I didn't like fruit cake when I was young so my mom made me a pound cake with the fruit I liked when I was a teen(the last lone child). She always asks if I made the pound cake each year, she is 93 in January 2021. I 'll have my man greasing paper lining soon. Hmm! I think I better subscribe!
Made the Christmas cake it’s still in the oven now. I put 6 eggs in instead of 5 did everything else as per your recipe. I’ll see how it goes. Time will tell. I’ll keep you all posted!
Thku very much for your yummy recipe. I'm just waiting to prepare one tomorrow.. Waiting for the marzipan I want to do a trial before Christmas so that I can bake more for friends as give aways nearing Christmas..
Oh that's brilliant. Very good idea to do a little trial too. If you do follow this recipe, you wont be disappointed. How lovely to do that for your friends, but theres no better gift than a handmade one is there xx
I'm not a fan of icing or marzipan. So my cake will totally naked ha. And it's my 1st time of making a Christmas cake. Thank-you for sharing the recipe. So excited can't wait to get started x
Fantastic Cathy, you'll be just fine. I love my naked Christmas cakes, they're just as good, if not better. Let me know how it goes for you? Happy Baking x
Just wanted to say thank you so much for helping me to make my first christmas cake. Followed your recipe and decorated it with icing and it was lovely to have. Hope you had a lovely christmas and wishing you a great New year, take care Sylvia
Oh Thank you Alison, its always lovely to hear such positive feedback. I know lots of people have tried my recipe, but they dont always let me know how it turned out. So thanks again and Happy Christmas 🎄🍰🎄🍰🎄 xx
@@annew-lo9vg Frangelico is a lovely replacement with Brandy. Follow my video on how to feed your Christmas cake, as its important not to over feed. Yummy yum yum 🎄🎂
@@MysteryBaker thank you for the advice! I actually came across on how to feed your Christmas cake which led me to this video! And I actually did watch that video twice plus your 6 inch Christmas cake... Thank you for the elaborate explanation in all your videos. You're a GEM!
I did your 6in today and it was a success!!! I think, because I can't taste yet but it looks like a fruitcake and smells like a fruitcake. My English husband is now a happy man after 23 years with no homemade British fruitcake. He wants me to make an 8 in so tomorrow I'll be back at it again, I feel so excited that I can do it now. Thank you so much.
@@MysteryBaker my husband thanks you too. Without you he wouldn't have something from home for Christmas like his Mum used to make for him. He already claimed the 6 in is for him only because he has been waiting for it for years. I have to make the 8 in for everybody else. Thanks again and Happy Christmas.
@@elizabeth78269 Will you be giving it a little extra feed of brandy? How wonderful, your husband has certainly been spoilt this Christmas 😊 Have A Magical Christmas 🎄❤🍰🎄
@@MysteryBaker I gave him the job of feeding it every other day and he has a bottle of VSOP for that. Believe me he likes brandy so we all will be very merry after eating the cakes.
Hello, just found your Christmas cake recipe, can I pop this into a 7” tin as I would like it a little taller, but cannot get my head around what I would need to change. Thank you ☺️
@mannys2238 hi, if you tried to put the entire mixture into a 7 inch, I'm not sure you'd be able to fit all the mixture in? As this mixture will be enough to almost fill the 8 inch tin. Hope that helps x
@@MysteryBakerthank you for the reply. Yes, of course! I’ve just made it in the 8” cake tin, it’s currently in the oven and smells delicious. 3 more bowls of fruit soaking to make 4 in total. Lovely recipe thanks ☺️
Fab video, I'm going to try this, this year made my mum's Xmas cake last year and it was a big hit with the family but as I'm now up north now I need to make 3 and send them to family, let you know how I get on John.
Sorry but I don't have treacle so can I just add the syrup then for extra flavour? I'm having a ring cake pan. Do you also need to line it with baking paper?
You can substitute it with golden syrup but it won't quite have the stronger flavour and will be lighter in colour. Yes you should line the tin to avoid the cake sticking xx
Ma'am, please I have a question, can I double the recipe or soak the fruits a week before using it? And please what's the shelf life of the cake? Thanks
Yes you can double recipe, although you'll need a very big bowl 🥣 😉 xx Yes you can soak fruit in advance but really overnight will do the trick. As far as shelf life, once baked and cooled... ensure its wrapped correctly and placed in sealed container away from direct heat and sunlight, it can last for months. Feeding the cake with Brandy will extend shelf life. I have separate video, on how to feed cake, so check it out! 😊 Hope that helps? Happy Baking xx
Thank you so much Denzil, I've just uploaded my first live video showing you how to make and 8 inch Christmas cake and answering frequently asked questions about this cake.. so it might be of interest to you. 🎄❤
Well my cake is in the oven now and it smells lovely so you were right! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and your video was so easy to follow :)
Hi MysteryBaker, i make this cake every year and only now i understand why we don't add baking powder. Thanks so much for that explanation. I love knowing the chemistry of things. I wanted to ask you... My cake gets done in 2 hours (toothpick in the middle comes out clean). Should i still leave it in for 4 hours? Will it help to caramelise the sugars?
@astridtravasso9361 Hi, thanks for returning 😘 If your cake is ready at 2 hours, just make sure the cake top is looking a deep golden brown. If you think a further 30 minutes will help, then do so. Happy Baking xxx
@@MysteryBaker thanks so much! I have one more question if you don't mind.. When i cut my cake, it crumbles... Can't hold a slice intact. What can i do to fix this?
@@MysteryBaker Yes i do... I usually bake end Oct, feed every 2 weeks, then marzipan layer goes on a week before xmas, and fondant on the 24th. The cake is quite dense bcos of the fruit, but i dont knw why it crumbles. It's not dry, and i learned from experience not to let it get wet. Shud i increase the eggs maybe?
@astridtravasso9361 Well you're following everything perfectly. So it really is the "Raisins" (strange but true). The raisins are extremely large and when cutting its the larger fruits that are causing the slight crumbling. You can replace 30% of the sultanas or raisins with an extra 30% of currants and add an extra tablespoon of black treacle. It will help, but to be honest Astrid, slight crumbling is quite normal as long as the cake tastes yummy and moist then I'd not worry too much. Xx
Greetings from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tq for sharing. I am so happy to hv found this recipe & your channel...will sure update after tryin, fingers crossed...P.S. gotta overcome the fear & the intimidation of the "Rich Fruit Cake", thx again, my confidence has soared❤❤❤
Thank you for your lovely comment, Its for an 8 inch cake tin. if you click down in the description box below you will see all the details including full list of ingredients and oven temperatures x
I made this cake this Christmas, however, when I cut it it sort of broke up, didn't cut into nice firm pieces. Tastes beautiful though, where did I go wrong? The skewered was clean when I tested to see if it was cooked. Please help. Thank you.
Fantastic recipe without baking and soda powder. This is good for people who are having allergies too. It's looking like a yummy recipe, which l am definitely going to try soon with slight modifications for the diabetic people including my husband and my self. I plan to use wheat flour, coconut sugar with very low glycemic index. Looking like a healthy with low calorie mouth watering recipe. For my children l will follow your recipe fully without any changes. Waiting to know more tutorials from your kitchen Madam. Have a very prayerful and meaningful Christmas with your friends and beloved family members with lots of fun and laughter to remember forever. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New year 2021 to you, all family members and friends. Surely l will share our Christmas cake with lots of underprivileged children, people, Christmas choir members, Priests, workers, non- Christian families, friends and families too. Last year l distributed cake to 500 people with my single efforts. I make only one Kg cake at a time. Likewise l made 5 Kg cakes for distributing. My cake and recipes were a instant hit and l taught my recipe to many people for making Christmas cake at their home as a family effort. All are involved in making the yummy plum cake which can be kept even upto a year without spoiling at all. Thank you Madam for your nice step by step instructions and sharing your very easy recipe for beginners. Congratulations to you Madam 🙏👍♥️⭐🎈👌🏻🙌🤝👌💞🙏🙏🙏🎈♥️
How wonderful, you seem to be a very caring person. What a great way to spread the joy of giving, no better medium than cake, as I feel... it's meant to be shared. If you do decide to follow my recipe, then I know you will not be disappointed. Wishing you a blessed Christmas for you and your family ❤🎁🎄❤🎁🎄❤
I just found my Grandmas recipe in my late fathers cook book, does not show how to cook just ingrediants i am so going to make this i loved it has a child Dad made me one every year, ingrediants look differant to all the videos i am watching like it says use self raising flour and castor sugar? i would have thought brown sugar, it also has ground almonds on the list? i am asuming that is for the marzipan. Also says caramel to darken but i remember there was always a tin of black treacle in the cuboard
@jackiesmithsmetaldetecting Oh it's wonderful that you've found a recipe, which reminds you of your childhood. If you do give this recipe a try, please come back and tell me what you thought of it. Happy Baking 😊 xxx
The ground almonds will be for the cake too. I made mine yesterday and it was my granny’s recipe. Use the recipe you dad has but use this video to prompt which stages. The flour plain and almond and spice are mixed and set aside then slowly added to the butter and sugar alternating the egg and milk and flour bit at a time. Then add fruit at end. Hope this helps
Hi mystery baker i have just given my wedding cakes the last feed do I have to do anything to the cakes before I marzipan them or do I just leave them covered up in their tins until ready to marzipan , as a friend said that I should uncover for a week and put in cardboard boxes before I marzipan them ,what do you do the weeding is on the 15th July not long now hope you can help me thanks❤
I've not needed to dry shop bought marzipan for a week. I just allow to air dry for around 12 hours or at least overnight and you should be absolutelyfine. Home made marzipan however, does take a little longer. Hope that helps? Xx
As for feeding the cake, once its had its final feed. Allow alcohol to soak in and dry on the surface for a couple of days before deciding to marzipan xx
Wonderful, it will be beautiful, I have every confidence. The reason for the extra wrapping is simply because it has to remain in the oven for a long time and the wrap protects the sides and bottom from burning. Let me know how it goes and happy baking xx
Molasses is a great substitute for Black treacle. You can make it in 7 inch cake pan as long as it's around 3 inches high. Alternatively if your tin is only 2 inches high, you might be best trying my 6 inch recipe. You may have to adjust your cooking times accordingly. Hope that helps?
Hi Tracy. Yes you can substitute margarine for butter, but I will say the texture of the cake may change ever so slightly - as margarine has more water in it than butter. Hope that helps? ❤🍰
Hi, My son decided he wanted a home baked Christmas cake this year, something I haven't baked for years and having lost my previous recipe I found yours and love how you describe it step by step and have a reassuring voice. So I currently have my cake in the oven, another 2 hours left and my house smells lovely 🙂 Can I please ask for feeding it, would I just feed it once a week now to christmas or should I do it twice a week?
How lovely, and thank you for such kind comments 😊🎄. I'd recommend feeding the cake once a week up until Christmas. I have a tutorial on how to feed the cake if you need any guidance. ❤😊🎄🍰
Hi Shibby John, Golden Syrup is light treacle, it's similar to honey in colour but has a different taste. Hope that helps? If you're unable to find golden syrup, you don't have to add it, just simply add black treacle, which is very similar to molasses. Hope that helps? X
Really enjoyed your tutorials thank you. Could you please tell me what the ingredients would be for a 6 inch cake please. Also would you recommend using more ingredients for a square cake if you want the height to be the same?
Hi Sarah, If you click the bell, I will be doing a Christmas cake tutorial for a 6 inch round cake at the end of this month. Yes square cakes require more ingredients. I hope that helps xx
@@MysteryBaker I didn't have a electric mixer so I beat it by hand wisk soaked the fruit in brandy for three days and folded the fruit and flour in so I didn't lose the air it took 3and a half hours to cook the cake rose about 1 inch I have just wrapped it with parchment and foil I am going to start feeding it soon thanks very much for your recipe and video I'm well chuffed with the cake can't wait to eat it😋👍
@@pauldavies8638 Fantastic news, sounds like all went well. Check out my video on how to feed your christmas cake, if you want some tips on the best way to do it xx 🎄🎂🎄
Hi Menaka, No... all you do is pour the brandy over the fruit and cover with foil or cling film overnight. The brandy will soak into the fruit overnight, ready for the baking of the cake, the next day. Hope you understand? Xx
@@menakam6778 In hot and humid countries, I'd double wrap it in greaseproof paper and then foil. The greaseproof paper allows the cake to breathe and the foil stabilizes the temperature inside. Then place in airtight container. Place in the coolest part of your home. It will last for around 8 weeks . If the climate is cold, like here in England, it will last for 4 months. Hope that helps? Xx
Hi maam how long can I keep the baked fruit cake outside? I hv baked it last week. Now I have cling wrap and second wrap with foil and kept in a box. Is that ok or I need to put in the fridge? Pls advis. Tq
Hi Bakers fun, if you are living in a very hot and humid climate, try not to wrap the cake in cling film plastic. Use breathable greaseproof paper and foil. If you are concerned about temperature being excessively hot, yes please do refrigerate. If it's cool where you live, I'd suggest not refrigerating, just wrap well and place in a cool place xx
@@MysteryBaker Thanks so much. Really watching the patient and calm manner you have when teaching us with so much TLC! Shall post a picture of my cake when I bake it!
@@gracexavier Thank you so much. Oooh yes, send me a picture. I'm currently collating subscribers cake pics to put in a video. Find me on facebook or Instagram: Mysterbakerx Have great day ❤🎄
Really good video! Thinking about making one this year but I don’t want a dead alcoholic one. Would you recommend lowering the amount of brandy getting soaked into the cake or is the amount you used fine ?
If you dont like too much of a boozy cake, then this recipe is perfect. The alcohol in this recipe is added to the fruit overnight and all the alcohol is lost in the baking of the cake. Leaving just a wonderful brandy background flavour. Hope that helps and let me know how it goes, if you do decide to follow my recipe xx
@@GodlessApe Some people add fresh orange juice and/or orange zest (avoiding the white pith as this is often bitter) , soak the fruit as you would soak brandy/Rum infused ones, but with fuit juice apparently it does not keep for as long outside, so is better transferred to the fridge after a day or so to avoid mould formation m. When you do the alcohol version I believe the alcohol act to preserve it. Good luck !
If you want, you can replace the Brandy with Fresh Orange juice. I must add that, if you were to add Brandy, all of the alcohol is burned away in the long baking process, leaving a brandy flavour without the alcohol. Hope that helps xx
@@MysteryBaker thanks so much for your reply And so sorry for asking too much but I have another question 😂 if I fed it with orange juice can I still store it at room temperature and for how long can it be stored if at room temperature?
@@nayeraalhossary7135 Ok, I'd suggest soaking fruit with orange juice prior to baking (replacing brandy) but if you are also, intending feeding the cake orange juice then it's slightly different. If you were to bake the cake this week. I'd wait until the end of the first week in December to give the cake its first feed and then feed it once more prior to decorating and/or consuming. (Assuming that youd be cutting it Christmas Day). Ensure you double wrap the cake and place airtight container etc. The reason I'd not feed it as much or for as long, as I would Brandy, is because alcohol is a preservative and orange is not. You want the cake to be at it's best. Hope that makes sense xx
Hi mystery baker i made my cakes for the wedding they turned out lovely but I have just come to feed them and the bottom of cakes feels greasy and the grease proof paper is a little greasy so is the tin foil is this normal or have I done something wrong hope you can help💕
Let it dry out for a hour without being covered. Then cover with fresh greaseproof paper etc. Place in tin in a cool place away from direct heat and sunlight. X
Yes you can add baking powder but I find it changes texture slightly. I promise you if you follow my method, the cake will turn out perfectly and exactly how a traditional cake should be. Hope that helps? Xx
I came on here to see how long I should bake my Christmas cake for in an 8" cake tin, because the recipe I followed was for a 9" one - instead of going to Specsavers, I should have read ALL the recipe instructions and bought a correct sized one. Excuse me if I make a mistake typing this but there was left over brandy and I hate anything going to waste! I've just takern the cake out of the oven and am now resting it (and myself) So, i baked my Christmas cake for 3 hours and 50 minuets It springs upo when prodded so Im confident that it's going to be ok. Fingers crossed typing this so it may not be anything todo with the alchol in my sustem. Once the cake has been heated, I'll boy a shop bought one and lace it with brandy = thats if I haven't drunk it????Many thanks = hic - . love from me- Sorry I've just seen an errow = once the 'once the cake has been EATEN not heated'. Me and the cake are still chilling, not so my husband. H'es missing football. cheeri9o for now. xx
@@MysteryBaker He's in bed snoring away and awaiting next year's football, so that he's got yet another reason for shouting at the television (instead of me - JOKING!) and I'm now going to watch catch up Corrie on telly! Thanks for your reply and go to bed now so that you're able to welcome in a happy and HEALTHY New Year tomorrow night lady. PS the cake baked perfectly. Make sure you watch the new and final episodes of Happy Valley (written by the wonderful Sally Wainright) which begins on 1st January - no better start on TV next year, so looking forward to it. Being from Yorkshire I'm not really biased!!!! xx
@@MysteryBaker I've just had a - what's the word - when spirits are downed in one - SHOT!!! Yay - a shot of something called Sheridans = coffee liquer and I am not bothered how it's spelt at this time of night on New Years Day (1.32 am by the way). Night night lady. xx
I'm sure you can decorate your cake with whipped cream, but traditionally whipped cream is not used. You'd have to intend to eat all the cake, within 3 days, as whipped cream will go sour after a short time. Hope that helps? X
@@MysteryBaker actually I'm asking for an competition and the theme is Christmas,so I want to make a traditional cake and decorate it like Christmas cake. Thanking you mam with humble.Have a great day and Merry Christmas in advance.
@@aaradhya_corner oh great idea, you could cover cake in pink fondant for example then an extra white piece to resemble cream to go over just top part of cake. Have great day. Hope that helps xx
One chef on RUclips uses Cointreaux in the cake and to feed it afterwards and complements it with a little fresh orange zest mixed in with the batter. I have never tried that, though it sounds like an interesting twist on the usual choices of brandy, rum or whiskey.
When you get a chance, could you please let me know the dimensions of the cake tin? Also, how do you get the grease paper to stick to the sides inside? As I said, I'm a complete beginner. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Cake tin is 8 inches round x 3 inches high (20cm x 8cm). I use just a little butter to grease bottom and sides of cake tin. This allows the greaseproof paper to stick and stay in place. Hope that helps? xx
You can soak the mixed fruit in orange juice ,no sugar,no alcohol and honey plan zero calories ,good for keeping blood sugar in control a piece of sugarless no alcohol will good result reading for diabetes ,this cake the cook made for seniour citizen nursing home for all and for diabetes as well ,a piece each on Christmas kept good result in low blood sugar when residents were checked for sugar diabetes good result we tried it after Christmas cake with sugar and alcohol and without sugar,without alcohol use orange juice and orange peel and mixed fruit yes
Dear Mystery Baker, would you give me the quantities for the dried fruits? Or is it written somewhere I haven't seen? Thank you very much, I am starting with this gorgeous cake tomorrow!
Hi there, if you click the description box below the video, I detail all the measurements and ingredients for this recipe. Let me know how it turns out xx
Hi!...well I don't know if it's my computer but I don't have a description box below the video. I can see it on the 10 inch recipe but on this one it wouldn't show... It only says Pastel de Navidad and nothing else.. Is ther eany way you could tell me how many grams of sultanas, currants, raisins, cherries and mixed peel you're using? Sorry to be such a pain :(
Parivaar, thank you for watching. This cake is a lavish Traditional English recipe and oil is not something I'd use. I find oil in this cake greasy and leaves a sticky texture that clings to the roof of the mouth. There are recipes out there that do use olive oil, but I cant recommend something, I really wouldn't eat myself. I hope you understand? It's a decadent cake, full of rich flavours so, why not just give it a try with the butter, you dont have to eat the entire cake, but I know you'll enjoy it much more 🎄❤🎄
I love your tutorials. I’ve noticed you don’t use any type of nuts in your Christmas cakes I wonder why, my dear late mother use to use nuts in her Christmas cake. I’ll give your recipe a try. Thanks for the tutorials.
Oh thank you so much for your kind words. As for the nuts, theres no particular reason why I dont add them. If you like nuts be sure to put some in. It's just for me, I just enjoy the softer texture without the hard interruption of the nuts xxx
I think you're lovely, have a nice voice but I perfer instructions to be precise and to the point. Moving along the stages quickly. But I can see your reassurances and repition (like baking with mother) would be great for novices.
Thank you Chris for your feedback on my manner. I understand your points, but in my defence, I really didn't want to be like all the other baking channels, so I decided, just to be me. I ramble sometimes, and go off track a little, but I'm not scripted, theres no retakes or editing. It's just silly old me in my kitchen trying to inspire people to get in the kitchen and bake. Xx
@@MysteryBaker And you do it brilliantly ! I love your style, it's friendly and reassuring. I always found the idea of making Christmas cake intimidating, but you have such an easy, relaxed, reassuring manner it feels like getting a tutorial in my friend's kitchen ! Have soaked the fruit and about to make the batter and cook it for 3 or 4 hours. Am really looking forward to seeing the end result ! The brandy mixed with the fruit is AMAZING. We have a strange tradition in our family where we eat instant food on Christmas Day so we can relax, open presents leisurely, watch movies together and play games, then the next day we quite often leave a few presents to open for Boxing Day as otherwise the next day can feel a bit deflating after all that build-up to Christmas Day! So we have an odd tradition of deliberately eating our Veggie roast on Boxing Day and that way we spread the joy for a little longer & still have things to look forward to the day after. We like it this way also because we all love books and giving the so this way around means we can sit and read on Christmas Day if we want, but usually end up watching the Big Fat Quiz and movies/cartoons and playing games instead. There is a lot less tension this way onChristmas Day so we tend to stick to this plan every year now ! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful recipe, am off to pop mine in the oven in the next half hour. Take care and hope everyone reading this is having a good holiday making the best of the (strange) peace we have all been forced into this year ! Hope you and yours stay safe these holidays 🤗🤗.
@@jw126 Sounds like the perfect Christmas... very easy and relaxing, you can't get much better than that!! Thank you so much for your very kind comments and as for your cake... oooh the wonderful aroma, that will permeate through your home, from your oven - will be Magical! I'd agree, it's been a different kind of Christmas but dare I say, a very unusually and surprising relaxing day. Wishing you and your family a wonderful time and enjoy the rest of your present opening on Boxing Day! 🌟🎄❤🎄🌟 xx
@@MysteryBaker We will, and thank you so much for replying ! Take care, and hope your holiday is a wonderful one. Just one question, if I may ? My cake tin is on the smaller side and did not realise before embarking on the soaking part that the cake would be huge once the batter was added 🙄😏. If I put the excess in a deep baking tray and just cover the top with a sheet of baking parchment (cut to size) would it serve the same purpose as the way you wrap yours for your round cake tin? Obviously there would be no leakage of the batter with a big, high sided oven tray so do you think that would suffice ? If I don't get a reply back I will just play it by ear and let you know if my alterations worked or not as I know not everyone has big cake tins and some may want to try a fruit cake recipe but may not be able to buy an extra tin and have to improvise like I am having to do!
@@jw126 Absolutely, just ensure you put the greaseproof paper under and up the sides, just as you would a regular cake tin. You may have to reduce baking times too, as mixture wont be as deep as it would be in a regular cake tin. I hope that helps and happy baking xxx
This recipe is without baking powder, I've experimented with using baking powder but it really doesn't win on flavour and texture. Plus baking powder can cause problems for beginners as sometimes as the cake rises, the fruit sinks. Hope that helps? Xx
I love this recipe. I make 4 cakes a year and this recipe is the best I've found! X
Aww thank you for your wonderful feedback. It's always great to hear that my recipe has been enjoyed ❤ xx
This is my fourth year of using this fantastic recipe and it's been well received by everyone who has had a slice. "Best Christmas cake I've ever tasted" is a regular remark.
@geef9027 Oh how very kind of you xxx So pleased people enjoy it too 💓 Happy Christmas 🎄 xxx
This is my 4th year of making at least 1Christmas cake using this fantastic recipe. Everyone loves the flavour and texture of the cake.
Oh that's fantastic to hear 😀 ❤️ Happy Baking 😊 🎂 xxx
This is my 4th year making this cake - its always such a joy to come back to and my family have now made me the designated christmas cake baker and look forward to it each year x
Wonderful to hear and thank you for coming back. 🙏 Happy Baking 😊 🎂 ❤️
My favorite cake, my favorite time and favorite voice of the year ! Thank you my dear
Well Hello Cookie 🍪 Thank you so much and a Very Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤️ xx
Iv done this cake 3 years running and its lush i make 3 cakes every year and follow the instructions to the dot love it x thankyou x
Oh so lovely to hear and thank you for coming back to visit again ❤️ xxx
beautiful technique and explanation. Bridges yesteryear holidays to modern times
Oh thank you so much Diane, very kind of you ❤ xx
This was the best fruit cake I have ever made and eaten. I’m so glad I found your recipe. +++
Thank you so much Margiweiss, so glad you enjoyed it 😊 ❤️
Used this recipe for the last two Christmases 🎅 and always tastes amazing. Used it again for this year (currently in the oven) and have to say my whole house smells amazing. Would 100% recommend 👌 Thanks very much x
Oh that's so wonderful to hear and thank you for coming back and leaving such a lovely message 😊 ❤️ xxx
We love this cake . So I make it every year . Thanks . I’m from Malta x
@silvanahillyer3928 oh that's wonderful xx Happy Christmas 🎄 😘
Happy Christmas to you too ❤
@silvanahillyer3928 ❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️
I made this cake last Christmas it was beautiful will make it again this Christmas . my friend tasted it loved it now she put a order in for this year .thank you it’s the best Christmas cake I’ve made . I make one every year found this recipe easygoing
Oh thank you so much and I'm so pleased you enjoyed my recipe. Hope you come back this Christmas to follow it too. 🥰🍰🥰
My favorite ingredient for our Christmas fruit cake is: my Husband! It is based on his mother's dark fruit cake recipe which has strawberry jam and my addition orange juice. This moring he said it again "Just enough batter to hold the fruit together!" New method 2yrs ago melt butter/margarine, molasses(treacle), juice, jam in pot, cool. We wouldn't use mixed spice: use 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger, cinnamon 1 tbspn, 1 t nutmeg, 1/2 t cloves 1/4 t allspice. We do use bkg powder. No brandy. It is our Christmas gift to each other. We eat it all winter with an evening cuppa! Sharing with his sister this yr as they are moving and not going away to Florida. Covid shut down. We make this in a white cake as well, no dark fruit, light raisins, & almonds. We refrigerate this one as it goes moldy. That was a hard lesson to learn. Canadian fruit cake is as you call it, "naked". No extra sugar trim needed, we have pies too, for dessert. Mom did make hard sauce when she made plum pudding. We don't do plum pudding, I just eat my 3 prunes a day from the jar. Like another lady said our cake is about 4 times the fruit volume of yours & about your amount of batter. Three bowls of fruit ready for batter on the table now. The third cake is pound cake with glazed cherries and pineapple, I didn't like fruit cake when I was young so my mom made me a pound cake with the fruit I liked when I was a teen(the last lone child). She always asks if I made the pound cake each year, she is 93 in January 2021. I 'll have my man greasing paper lining soon. Hmm! I think I better subscribe!
Sounds wonderful, I like the idea of a white cake, as I adore almonds. Thank you for subscribing and welcome ❤
Thank you so much I’m making mine tomorrow.
Brilliant news, let me know how it goes xx
Great instructions
Made one last year it was fab starting another today your recipe is excellent 💋
Awww that's so wonderful to hear. Happy Christmas xx
@@MysteryBaker it's in the oven now😋
@@pauldavies8638 It will be smelling wonderful in your house, very soon x
I'm going to try this cake hope mine comes out like yours putting marzipan and fondent roll our icing
Hi Tracey, I have every confidence you'll do just fine 😊
Bless thanks s
@@traceywells1103 ❤🎂❤🎄
@@MysteryBaker ❤ ❤ 🐈 😻 😊
Made the Christmas cake it’s still in the oven now. I put 6 eggs in instead of 5 did everything else as per your recipe. I’ll see how it goes. Time will tell. I’ll keep you all posted!
Oh wonderful!! If you've added an additional egg - be mindful, that it may take longer in the oven. Keep me posted and Happy Baking xx
@@MysteryBaker Thanks for your help, I have a very hot oven, I took it out just before 3 hours, it smells and looks yummy!
@@louiseblampied4331 Oh Brilliant news - YUM YUM xx
Thku very much for your yummy recipe. I'm just waiting to prepare one tomorrow.. Waiting for the marzipan I want to do a trial before Christmas so that I can bake more for friends as give aways nearing Christmas..
Oh that's brilliant. Very good idea to do a little trial too. If you do follow this recipe, you wont be disappointed. How lovely to do that for your friends, but theres no better gift than a handmade one is there xx
I'm not a fan of icing or marzipan. So my cake will totally naked ha. And it's my 1st time of making a Christmas cake. Thank-you for sharing the recipe. So excited can't wait to get started x
Fantastic Cathy, you'll be just fine. I love my naked Christmas cakes, they're just as good, if not better. Let me know how it goes for you? Happy Baking x
Thank you so much for sharing it was my first attempt t a Christmas cake and do easy to make xx
Wonderful to hear Debbie, it's always so lovely to hear that people are following my recipe. Happy Christmas 🎄❤🎄
Lovely recipe. Those bowls are adorable
Thank you so much, oh yes they are pretty aren't they xx
@@MysteryBaker oh yes! absolutely
@@abababan6012 Happy New Year 🥳🥰
@@MysteryBaker heyy thankyou! So glad to hear from you. A very happy New Year to you too😃
@@abababan6012 🥰❤🥰❤🥰 xxx
Will surely try it this year, looks really good and easy.
That's great to hear, please let me know how it turns out xx
Just wanted to say thank you so much for helping me to make my first christmas cake. Followed your recipe and decorated it with icing and it was lovely to have. Hope you had a lovely christmas and wishing you a great New year, take care Sylvia
So lovely to hear Sylvia ❤ I'm only glad I was able to help in some little way. Merry Christmas ❤🎁🎄❤
This is the first year I have done a Christmas cake and its turned out beautiful. Thankyou for this brilliant tutorial x
Oh Thank you Alison, its always lovely to hear such positive feedback. I know lots of people have tried my recipe, but they dont always let me know how it turned out. So thanks again and Happy Christmas 🎄🍰🎄🍰🎄 xx
Thank you for giving me the confidence! It's going to be my first fruit cake!
That's so wonderful. I have every confidence, please keep me posted how it goes. Happy Baking 🎄🎂🎄
@@MysteryBaker I don't have Brandy or Rum. I have Sherry and Frangelico. Is any of this okay?
@@annew-lo9vg Frangelico is a lovely replacement with Brandy. Follow my video on how to feed your Christmas cake, as its important not to over feed. Yummy yum yum 🎄🎂
@@MysteryBaker thank you for the advice! I actually came across on how to feed your Christmas cake which led me to this video! And I actually did watch that video twice plus your 6 inch Christmas cake... Thank you for the elaborate explanation in all your videos. You're a GEM!
@@annew-lo9vg My pleasure Anne, only glad I could help in some little way! Happy Baking 🎄🎂🎄
I did your 6in today and it was a success!!! I think, because I can't taste yet but it looks like a fruitcake and smells like a fruitcake. My English husband is now a happy man after 23 years with no homemade British fruitcake. He wants me to make an 8 in so tomorrow I'll be back at it again, I feel so excited that I can do it now. Thank you so much.
How wonderful Elizabeth and now you're on a roll, making your second! I'm so glad my tutorial helped you in some way ❤🎄
@@MysteryBaker my husband thanks you too. Without you he wouldn't have something from home for Christmas like his Mum used to make for him. He already claimed the 6 in is for him only because he has been waiting for it for years. I have to make the 8 in for everybody else. Thanks again and Happy Christmas.
@@elizabeth78269 Will you be giving it a little extra feed of brandy? How wonderful, your husband has certainly been spoilt this Christmas 😊 Have A Magical Christmas 🎄❤🍰🎄
@@MysteryBaker I gave him the job of feeding it every other day and he has a bottle of VSOP for that. Believe me he likes brandy so we all will be very merry after eating the cakes.
@@elizabeth78269 Haha oh yes a Very 'Merry' Christmas indeed ❤🎄
Made my first cake today and I am delighted with the result thank you so much.
That's wonderful and thank you for letting me know how pleased you are with the results. It's great to hear such positivity. Thank you ❤
I will definitely try to make this cake. Tks 🙏🙏
Wonderful to hear and please keep me posted, on how it turned out 🎄❤🎄 xx
Your right about SR flour, but try 2/3 of plain to 1/3 SR it gives just a bit of lift but not that much that the fruit is left at the bottom.
Thank you for that tip, I may just give it a try, I'm always eager to try different methods xx
Hello, just found your Christmas cake recipe, can I pop this into a 7” tin as I would like it a little taller, but cannot get my head around what I would need to change. Thank you ☺️
@mannys2238 hi, if you tried to put the entire mixture into a 7 inch, I'm not sure you'd be able to fit all the mixture in? As this mixture will be enough to almost fill the 8 inch tin. Hope that helps x
@@MysteryBakerthank you for the reply. Yes, of course! I’ve just made it in the 8” cake tin, it’s currently in the oven and smells delicious. 3 more bowls of fruit soaking to make 4 in total. Lovely recipe thanks ☺️
@mannys2238 Oh That's fantastic 🎄 Happy Baking 😊 🎂
@@MysteryBaker thank you ☺️
@@MysteryBakerjust found you on instagram, I’ll send pictures when they are decorated later in the year 🎄
Hello, how do you know when it’s ready, so you can take it out
Use a knife or cocktail stick, place it into the centre, if it comes out clean, then it's ready. Hope that helps? X
Would love to hear what kind of Christmas cake you're making this year ? What's going to be the theme? Or like me are you just keeping it simple? Xx
I have to try to make this. I think it's something I could give a good try at, so thanks ;)
@@40something63 You wont be disappointed, I promise xx
If you do try this recipe, I'd love your feedback xx
Oh I will do
Fab video, I'm going to try this, this year made my mum's Xmas cake last year and it was a big hit with the family but as I'm now up north now I need to make 3 and send them to family, let you know how I get on John.
Brilliant!! These size Christmas cakes are perfect for gifts. Happy baking and please, let me know how it goes xx
PS I've recently uploaded a 6 inch christmas cake too, if that would be of interest for gifts xx
@@MysteryBaker Oh thank you I will take a look, perfect size. I will let you know how I get on John.
@@johnwelford1355 I have every confidence they'll turn out great xx
@@johnwelford1355 I have every confidence they'll turn out great xx
Mine is the same recipe but i brown my butter b4 letting it cool and adding to the butter. Love the recipe though 😊
Thank you. Oh sounds lovely. Aren't Christmas cakes the best? 🎅❤🎅
@@MysteryBaker they really are, yours looks absolutely beautiful, dark and rich 😋
@@stebates7757 Why, thank you I'm so glad you enjoyed my video xx
Sorry but I don't have treacle so can I just add the syrup then for extra flavour? I'm having a ring cake pan. Do you also need to line it with baking paper?
You can substitute it with golden syrup but it won't quite have the stronger flavour and will be lighter in colour. Yes you should line the tin to avoid the cake sticking xx
Ma'am, please I have a question, can I double the recipe or soak the fruits a week before using it?
And please what's the shelf life of the cake? Thanks
Yes you can double recipe, although you'll need a very big bowl 🥣 😉 xx Yes you can soak fruit in advance but really overnight will do the trick. As far as shelf life, once baked and cooled... ensure its wrapped correctly and placed in sealed container away from direct heat and sunlight, it can last for months. Feeding the cake with Brandy will extend shelf life. I have separate video, on how to feed cake, so check it out! 😊 Hope that helps? Happy Baking xx
I like it very much iwould like to ask how long do you do it before christmas thank you
They are made about now. My own cake recipe is in oven as I type, been using it for 40 years.
Lovely!! Mouth watering!!
Thank you Lulu 🎄❤🎄
Liked your recipe 💐💐
Thank you so much Denzil, I've just uploaded my first live video showing you how to make and 8 inch Christmas cake and answering frequently asked questions about this cake.. so it might be of interest to you. 🎄❤
Well my cake is in the oven now and it smells lovely so you were right! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and your video was so easy to follow :)
Oh I knew you'd love the aromour coming from your oven. I'm just glad I could help xx
Hi MysteryBaker, i make this cake every year and only now i understand why we don't add baking powder. Thanks so much for that explanation. I love knowing the chemistry of things.
I wanted to ask you... My cake gets done in 2 hours (toothpick in the middle comes out clean). Should i still leave it in for 4 hours? Will it help to caramelise the sugars?
@astridtravasso9361 Hi, thanks for returning 😘 If your cake is ready at 2 hours, just make sure the cake top is looking a deep golden brown. If you think a further 30 minutes will help, then do so. Happy Baking xxx
@@MysteryBaker thanks so much! I have one more question if you don't mind.. When i cut my cake, it crumbles... Can't hold a slice intact. What can i do to fix this?
@astridtravasso9361 Ah OK, it's a difficult one to answer, but do you feed your cake with brandy? X
@@MysteryBaker Yes i do... I usually bake end Oct, feed every 2 weeks, then marzipan layer goes on a week before xmas, and fondant on the 24th. The cake is quite dense bcos of the fruit, but i dont knw why it crumbles. It's not dry, and i learned from experience not to let it get wet. Shud i increase the eggs maybe?
@astridtravasso9361 Well you're following everything perfectly. So it really is the "Raisins" (strange but true). The raisins are extremely large and when cutting its the larger fruits that are causing the slight crumbling. You can replace 30% of the sultanas or raisins with an extra 30% of currants and add an extra tablespoon of black treacle. It will help, but to be honest Astrid, slight crumbling is quite normal as long as the cake tastes yummy and moist then I'd not worry too much. Xx
Greetings from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Tq for sharing. I am so happy to hv found this recipe & your channel...will sure update after tryin, fingers crossed...P.S. gotta overcome the fear & the intimidation of the "Rich Fruit Cake", thx again, my confidence has soared❤❤❤
Greetings 🙏 Absolutely wonderful, I'm sure it will turn out perfectly. Please come back and let me know. Happy Baking 😊 xx
@@MysteryBaker awww tq darling...will definitely update, ooo I'm so excited, & btw love your ooos & the ahhhs...so uplifting truly❤❤❤❤
Enjoy your tutorials. How inch cake tin for this recipe?
Thank you for your lovely comment, Its for an 8 inch cake tin. if you click down in the description box below you will see all the details including full list of ingredients and oven temperatures x
I made this cake similar to what is printed and it’s absolutely delicious! It is the most delicious Christmas cake I’ve ever had.!
It most certainly is Shara, thanks for your lovely comment xx
I made this cake this Christmas, however, when I cut it it sort of broke up, didn't cut into nice firm pieces. Tastes beautiful though, where did I go wrong? The skewered was clean when I tested to see if it was cooked. Please help. Thank you.
Did you feed your cake and leave it for a while or did you cut into it straight away? Xx
I fed it as per your instructions and cut it after Christmas day. The cake was baked in November.
Fantastic recipe without baking and soda powder. This is good for people who are having allergies too. It's looking like a yummy recipe, which l am definitely going to try soon with slight modifications for the diabetic people including my husband and my self. I plan to use wheat flour, coconut sugar with very low glycemic index. Looking like a healthy with low calorie mouth watering recipe. For my children l will follow your recipe fully without any changes. Waiting to know more tutorials from your kitchen Madam. Have a very prayerful and meaningful Christmas with your friends and beloved family members with lots of fun and laughter to remember forever. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New year 2021 to you, all family members and friends. Surely l will share our Christmas cake with lots of underprivileged children, people, Christmas choir members, Priests, workers, non- Christian families, friends and families too. Last year l distributed cake to 500 people with my single efforts. I make only one Kg cake at a time. Likewise l made 5 Kg cakes for distributing. My cake and recipes were a instant hit and l taught my recipe to many people for making Christmas cake at their home as a family effort. All are involved in making the yummy plum cake which can be kept even upto a year without spoiling at all. Thank you Madam for your nice step by step instructions and sharing your very easy recipe for beginners. Congratulations to you Madam 🙏👍♥️⭐🎈👌🏻🙌🤝👌💞🙏🙏🙏🎈♥️
How wonderful, you seem to be a very caring person. What a great way to spread the joy of giving, no better medium than cake, as I feel... it's meant to be shared. If you do decide to follow my recipe, then I know you will not be disappointed. Wishing you a blessed Christmas for you and your family ❤🎁🎄❤🎁🎄❤
I just found my Grandmas recipe in my late fathers cook book, does not show how to cook just ingrediants i am so going to make this i loved it has a child Dad made me one every year, ingrediants look differant to all the videos i am watching like it says use self raising flour and castor sugar? i would have thought brown sugar, it also has ground almonds on the list? i am asuming that is for the marzipan. Also says caramel to darken but i remember there was always a tin of black treacle in the cuboard
@jackiesmithsmetaldetecting Oh it's wonderful that you've found a recipe, which reminds you of your childhood. If you do give this recipe a try, please come back and tell me what you thought of it. Happy Baking 😊 xxx
@@MysteryBaker No i am actually looking for some help in baking it lol,
The ground almonds will be for the cake too.
I made mine yesterday and it was my granny’s recipe.
Use the recipe you dad has but use this video to prompt which stages. The flour plain and almond and spice are mixed and set aside then slowly added to the butter and sugar alternating the egg and milk and flour bit at a time. Then add fruit at end. Hope this helps
I put red and green glace cherries in mine and I used light brown sugar don't like dark cakes
Any alternative for Black treacle?....
Not found in my area
Hi Julie, Molasses is an alternative, if you're able to get hold of it? Xx
Hi what size eggs did you use please medium or large
I use Medium eggs for this recipe but large would be OK too xx
Hi mystery baker i have just given my wedding cakes the last feed do I have to do anything to the cakes before I marzipan them or do I just leave them covered up in their tins until ready to marzipan , as a friend said that I should uncover for a week and put in cardboard boxes before I marzipan them ,what do you do the weeding is on the 15th July not long now hope you can help me thanks❤
I've not needed to dry shop bought marzipan for a week. I just allow to air dry for around 12 hours or at least overnight and you should be absolutelyfine. Home made marzipan however, does take a little longer. Hope that helps? Xx
As for feeding the cake, once its had its final feed. Allow alcohol to soak in and dry on the surface for a couple of days before deciding to marzipan xx
Thanks for your help ❤️
@@angelawalker796 My Pleasure xx
Hey sweetie, I'm really dying 2see the inside of your cake, pls do share if you've got 1...❤❤❤
Thank you so much for the video. I'm about to do it for the first time and I am very excited :) May I ask why the wrapping is needed?
Wonderful, it will be beautiful, I have every confidence. The reason for the extra wrapping is simply because it has to remain in the oven for a long time and the wrap protects the sides and bottom from burning. Let me know how it goes and happy baking xx
@@MysteryBaker Thank you for your prompt response. I'll let you know. Just about to prepare my ingredients :)
@@ellenkammerath5987 You'll do great I'm sure xx
Hi can we use molasses instead of black treacle syrup. And what if I want to bake in 7" tin
Molasses is a great substitute for Black treacle. You can make it in 7 inch cake pan as long as it's around 3 inches high. Alternatively if your tin is only 2 inches high, you might be best trying my 6 inch recipe. You may have to adjust your cooking times accordingly. Hope that helps?
@@MysteryBaker thank u so much
Will try for sure
@@vijeytaamaney7359 My pleasure ❤🍰
Another masterpiece hun!
And you get to ear it so extra bonus xxx
Hi me again can you marge instead of butter
Hi Tracy. Yes you can substitute margarine for butter, but I will say the texture of the cake may change ever so slightly - as margarine has more water in it than butter. Hope that helps? ❤🍰
Hi thanks I think I will us butter I normative make all my cake with marge tha all come nice as it's a Christmas cake I want it perfect like yours
@@traceywells1103 like you, I use margarine for most of my cakes, but yes I'd use butter for this decadent Christmas cake. Happy Baking ❤🍰❤
@@MysteryBaker ye me as its a Christmas cake I would use butter I will let u now how it comes out
@@MysteryBaker 💗
Hi, My son decided he wanted a home baked Christmas cake this year, something I haven't baked for years and having lost my previous recipe I found yours and love how you describe it step by step and have a reassuring voice. So I currently have my cake in the oven, another 2 hours left and my house smells lovely 🙂 Can I please ask for feeding it, would I just feed it once a week now to christmas or should I do it twice a week?
How lovely, and thank you for such kind comments 😊🎄. I'd recommend feeding the cake once a week up until Christmas. I have a tutorial on how to feed the cake if you need any guidance. ❤😊🎄🍰
What is golden syrup... Is it honey??
Hi Shibby John, Golden Syrup is light treacle, it's similar to honey in colour but has a different taste. Hope that helps? If you're unable to find golden syrup, you don't have to add it, just simply add black treacle, which is very similar to molasses. Hope that helps? X
Ok... Thanks
@@shibbyjohn8794 😘🎂
Really enjoyed your tutorials thank you. Could you please tell me what the ingredients would be for a 6 inch cake please. Also would you recommend using more ingredients for a square cake if you want the height to be the same?
Hi Sarah, If you click the bell, I will be doing a Christmas cake tutorial for a 6 inch round cake at the end of this month. Yes square cakes require more ingredients. I hope that helps xx
@@MysteryBaker thank you I look forward to it!
@@sarahellis1500 I'm filming Sunday, so should have video up by Monday, so stay tuned 🥰 xx
Ive made my two now. Dont know how to post a pic though ☹️
You can find me on facebook : Mystery Baker or Instagram : mysterybakerx . You can send me pictures that way as I'd live to see them xx
@@MysteryBaker awe thank you, will do
@@lynngibb5704 ❤🍰
Included in the fruit mix can I add 100g almonds for a crunch? Like 100g less of currants? Would this matter in the cook? Thanks
You can definitely add what ever nut you'd like 😀 I'd reduce currants by 40g sultanas by 30g and 30g for raisins. Hope that helps? Happy Baking! 🎄🍰🎄
What temperature do you bake it at please? I am attempting my first ever cake.
140c if fan assisted oven or 160c if not. 325f or Gas Mark 3. Hope that helps. 😊🎂👍
@@MysteryBaker thank you I am baking it today its my first attempt🤞
@@pauldavies8638 Brilliant, I have every confidence in you ... Let me know how it goes? 👍😊
@@MysteryBaker I didn't have a electric mixer so I beat it by hand wisk soaked the fruit in brandy for three days and folded the fruit and flour in so I didn't lose the air it took 3and a half hours to cook the cake rose about 1 inch I have just wrapped it with parchment and foil I am going to start feeding it soon thanks very much for your recipe and video I'm well chuffed with the cake can't wait to eat it😋👍
@@pauldavies8638 Fantastic news, sounds like all went well. Check out my video on how to feed your christmas cake, if you want some tips on the best way to do it xx 🎄🎂🎄
Can't wait to try this weekend x I'll let you know my darling x
Oh fantastic, yes please let me know if you found it easy to follow xx
Im buying my ingredients today too and cant wait to bake it :)
Ooh so pleased the video has inspired you both to get in the kitchen and try my recipe xx
Hi from Malaysia, did u mentioned to boil the mixed dried fruits with Brandy?
Hi Menaka, No... all you do is pour the brandy over the fruit and cover with foil or cling film overnight. The brandy will soak into the fruit overnight, ready for the baking of the cake, the next day. Hope you understand? Xx
@@MysteryBaker Yeah got that. I thought I heard u saying the word "boil". Thanks and how long could we keep it?
@@menakam6778 It must be my accent, so apologies. What do you mean when you said, "how long do we keep it"? Xx
@@MysteryBaker I meant how long cld we store it? Pls guide on storage method too.. TIA
@@menakam6778 In hot and humid countries, I'd double wrap it in greaseproof paper and then foil. The greaseproof paper allows the cake to breathe and the foil stabilizes the temperature inside. Then place in airtight container. Place in the coolest part of your home. It will last for around 8 weeks . If the climate is cold, like here in England, it will last for 4 months. Hope that helps? Xx
Where are your ingredients for this x
I believe they are in the description box below the video. xx Hope that helps? x
Hi maam how long can I keep the baked fruit cake outside? I hv baked it last week. Now I have cling wrap and second wrap with foil and kept in a box. Is that ok or I need to put in the fridge? Pls advis. Tq
Hi Bakers fun, if you are living in a very hot and humid climate, try not to wrap the cake in cling film plastic. Use breathable greaseproof paper and foil. If you are concerned about temperature being excessively hot, yes please do refrigerate. If it's cool where you live, I'd suggest not refrigerating, just wrap well and place in a cool place xx
@@MysteryBaker I live in Malaysia. Thank you for the tips.
@@bakersfun5480 Pleasure xxx
Ok I’ll give this a try tomorrow after I’ve sobered up 🤪 I don’t normally buy Brandy lol x ( hic ) 😂
Haha brilliant, keep me posted and Happy Baking 😊 xx
May I add the treacle and golden syrup before the cake flour and the eggs - so I keep the air still intact? Thanks.
Hi Grace, I'd not add the treacle prior to the flour as it will hinder any air being added to the cake. Hope that helps. ❤🎄
@@MysteryBaker Thanks so much. Really watching the patient and calm manner you have when teaching us with so much TLC! Shall post a picture of my cake when I bake it!
@@gracexavier Thank you so much. Oooh yes, send me a picture. I'm currently collating subscribers cake pics to put in a video. Find me on facebook or Instagram: Mysterbakerx Have great day ❤🎄
Hi! Cake will be simple 😃
It certainly is Denzil 🎄❤
Are you from the north of England?
Hi Christine, yes I am, the North east of England 🇬🇧 xx
@@MysteryBaker I thought I recognised your accent I am from the North East but now in the North west xx
@@christinemoore7704 Ah right, well you guessed right. Hope you're enjoying your time in the N West? Xx
@@MysteryBaker I have been down here for about 22 years now but I miss living up there xx
@@christinemoore7704 Aww really, I suppose you'll always have a piece of the N East in your heart ❤️ xx
Really good video! Thinking about making one this year but I don’t want a dead alcoholic one. Would you recommend lowering the amount of brandy getting soaked into the cake or is the amount you used fine ?
If you dont like too much of a boozy cake, then this recipe is perfect. The alcohol in this recipe is added to the fruit overnight and all the alcohol is lost in the baking of the cake. Leaving just a wonderful brandy background flavour. Hope that helps and let me know how it goes, if you do decide to follow my recipe xx
@@MysteryBaker thank you so much, I definitely will do. Take care x
@@GodlessApe you too xx
@@GodlessApe Some people add fresh orange juice and/or orange zest (avoiding the white pith as this is often bitter) , soak the fruit as you would soak brandy/Rum infused ones, but with fuit juice apparently it does not keep for as long outside, so is better transferred to the fridge after a day or so to avoid mould formation m. When you do the alcohol version I believe the alcohol act to preserve it. Good luck !
excited to try this out... ❤️❤️❤️
You wont be disappointed. Let me know how it goes xx
@@MysteryBaker sure!! i will update you soon. xoxo
@@familyaffair1871 🥰
I did the cake and indeed the house smells fantastic!!! I am so excited to taste this on Christmas!!! Thank you!!! xoxo
@@familyaffair1871 Wonderful! Very excited for you. Enjoy! Merry Christmas 🥰🎄🥰
Is there is any way to make it without alcohol and if so how to store it?
If you want, you can replace the Brandy with Fresh Orange juice. I must add that, if you were to add Brandy, all of the alcohol is burned away in the long baking process, leaving a brandy flavour without the alcohol. Hope that helps xx
@@MysteryBaker thanks so much for your reply
And so sorry for asking too much but I have another question 😂 if I fed it with orange juice can I still store it at room temperature and for how long can it be stored if at room temperature?
@@nayeraalhossary7135 Ok, I'd suggest soaking fruit with orange juice prior to baking (replacing brandy) but if you are also, intending feeding the cake orange juice then it's slightly different. If you were to bake the cake this week. I'd wait until the end of the first week in December to give the cake its first feed and then feed it once more prior to decorating and/or consuming. (Assuming that youd be cutting it Christmas Day). Ensure you double wrap the cake and place airtight container etc. The reason I'd not feed it as much or for as long, as I would Brandy, is because alcohol is a preservative and orange is not. You want the cake to be at it's best. Hope that makes sense xx
@@MysteryBaker okay thanks so much for your time❤️
@@nayeraalhossary7135 Absolute pleasure xx
Hi mystery baker i made my cakes for the wedding they turned out lovely but I have just come to feed them and the bottom of cakes feels greasy and the grease proof paper is a little greasy so is the tin foil is this normal or have I done something wrong hope you can help💕
Let it dry out for a hour without being covered. Then cover with fresh greaseproof paper etc. Place in tin in a cool place away from direct heat and sunlight. X
Thanks for your help its in a tin in a cool dark cupboard i will do what you said now thanks again 💕
@@angelawalker796 My pleasure ❤🌟❤
Can baking powder be used in this recipe? or will that require some other changes as well?
Yes you can add baking powder but I find it changes texture slightly. I promise you if you follow my method, the cake will turn out perfectly and exactly how a traditional cake should be. Hope that helps? Xx
MysteryBaker ok! Thank you... will be trying this recipe real soon
@@royaljatti Let me know how it turns out for you xx
Can U put down d Recipe so it will b easier to keep d Ingredients Ready?
how much 275 of butter and that of sugar
Hi Noeleen 275g of dark brown sugar (all the ingredients are listed in description box below the video). Hope that helps? X
I came on here to see how long I should bake my Christmas cake for in an 8" cake tin, because the recipe I followed was for a 9" one - instead of going to Specsavers, I should have read ALL the recipe instructions and bought a correct sized one. Excuse me if I make a mistake typing this but there was left over brandy and I hate anything going to waste! I've just takern the cake out of the oven and am now resting it (and myself) So, i baked my Christmas cake for 3 hours and 50 minuets It springs upo when prodded so Im confident that it's going to be ok. Fingers crossed typing this so it may not be anything todo with the alchol in my sustem. Once the cake has been heated, I'll boy a shop bought one and lace it with brandy = thats if I haven't drunk it????Many thanks = hic - . love from me- Sorry I've just seen an errow = once the 'once the cake has been EATEN not heated'. Me and the cake are still chilling, not so my husband. H'es missing football. cheeri9o for now. xx
Hi Rita, hope you and the cake are doing well? 😘 I'm sure it will be fine and hope your husband enjoyed the football ⚽️ xx
@@MysteryBaker He's in bed snoring away and awaiting next year's football, so that he's got yet another reason for shouting at the television (instead of me - JOKING!) and I'm now going to watch catch up Corrie on telly! Thanks for your reply and go to bed now so that you're able to welcome in a happy and HEALTHY New Year tomorrow night lady. PS the cake baked perfectly. Make sure you watch the new and final episodes of Happy Valley (written by the wonderful Sally Wainright) which begins on 1st January - no better start on TV next year, so looking forward to it. Being from Yorkshire I'm not really biased!!!! xx
@@ritarobertshaw3382 oh I'll have to give that show a watch. Happy New Year to you and your family 👪 ❤️
@@MysteryBaker I've just had a - what's the word - when spirits are downed in one - SHOT!!! Yay - a shot of something called Sheridans = coffee liquer and I am not bothered how it's spelt at this time of night on New Years Day (1.32 am by the way). Night night lady. xx
@@ritarobertshaw3382 Oh Sheridans is lovely. Have another one for me! 🥂🎉
Great
Thank you 🥰 xx
God bless you
🙏❤️
What part of the northeast are you from? Can’t place it? Seaham? Durham?
Ah yes, County Durham. Very good guess x
Sounds a lot like Fathima Sydow,chuckles and all from S Africa
Why, thank you xx
What temp oven
@@annsutherland6553 In description box
Can I decorate this cake with whip cream?
I'm sure you can decorate your cake with whipped cream, but traditionally whipped cream is not used. You'd have to intend to eat all the cake, within 3 days, as whipped cream will go sour after a short time. Hope that helps? X
@@MysteryBaker actually I'm asking for an competition and the theme is Christmas,so I want to make a traditional cake and decorate it like Christmas cake. Thanking you mam with humble.Have a great day and Merry Christmas in advance.
@@aaradhya_corner oh great idea, you could cover cake in pink fondant for example then an extra white piece to resemble cream to go over just top part of cake. Have great day. Hope that helps xx
@@MysteryBaker yes mam it's .surely I tried.thanking you mam
@@aaradhya_corner My pleasure xx
Cant stand mazipan Christmas cake should be just left plain on top, no icing
Who asked you?
Oh one more question, Can I use rum instead of brandy?
Absolutely, rum is a great substitute xx
royaljatti yes
One chef on RUclips uses Cointreaux in the cake and to feed it afterwards and complements it with a little fresh orange zest mixed in with the batter. I have never tried that, though it sounds like an interesting twist on the usual choices of brandy, rum or whiskey.
When you get a chance, could you please let me know the dimensions of the cake tin? Also, how do you get the grease paper to stick to the sides inside? As I said, I'm a complete beginner. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Cake tin is 8 inches round x 3 inches high (20cm x 8cm). I use just a little butter to grease bottom and sides of cake tin. This allows the greaseproof paper to stick and stay in place. Hope that helps? xx
You can soak the mixed fruit in orange juice ,no sugar,no alcohol and honey plan zero calories ,good for keeping blood sugar in control a piece of sugarless no alcohol will good result reading for diabetes ,this cake the cook made for seniour citizen nursing home for all and for diabetes as well ,a piece each on Christmas kept good result in low blood sugar when residents were checked for sugar diabetes good result we tried it after Christmas cake with sugar and alcohol and without sugar,without alcohol use orange juice and orange peel and mixed fruit yes
Dear Mystery Baker, would you give me the quantities for the dried fruits? Or is it written somewhere I haven't seen? Thank you very much, I am starting with this gorgeous cake tomorrow!
Hi there, if you click the description box below the video, I detail all the measurements and ingredients for this recipe. Let me know how it turns out xx
PS theres an arrow to the far right of the title, click it and it drops down a box with my ingredients etc in it xx
Hi!...well I don't know if it's my computer but I don't have a description box below the video. I can see it on the 10 inch recipe but on this one it wouldn't show... It only says Pastel de Navidad and nothing else.. Is ther eany way you could tell me how many grams of sultanas, currants, raisins, cherries and mixed peel you're using? Sorry to be such a pain :(
@@amelievanhoute3076 You'll need 500g of currants, 250g of sultanas 250g of raisins, 60g glazed cherries and 60g of mixed peel, hope that helps x
@@MysteryBaker it really helps! Thank you ever so much!!!
No orange juice and zest and lemon zest or cherries?
Mixed Peel is candied orange and lemon zest?? Orange/lemon zest is not a traditional British ingredient in a Christmas cake. Oh and there is cherries?
health point of view if i use light olive oil instead of butter so what will be the measurement of olive oil plz reply as I want to try this cake wow
Parivaar, thank you for watching. This cake is a lavish Traditional English recipe and oil is not something I'd use. I find oil in this cake greasy and leaves a sticky texture that clings to the roof of the mouth. There are recipes out there that do use olive oil, but I cant recommend something, I really wouldn't eat myself. I hope you understand? It's a decadent cake, full of rich flavours so, why not just give it a try with the butter, you dont have to eat the entire cake, but I know you'll enjoy it much more 🎄❤🎄
Excellent tutorial - you covered everything I needed to know. I now just want to eat a slice, but I cant! ;)
I know the feeling, I have to wait now until Christmas xx
I'd have to make a small one to eat right away :)
Next time try to cut a piece of the cake ,so we can watch how it results .Sorry my english . I speak spanish. Thanks for sharing .
I'll make a video of when I do cut it, if that helps. Xx
change you have to wait 4 weeks before you cut into the cake.
@@clivemitchell7376 I'd agree with that Philip, you kinda have to allow it to mature, like a fine wine 😂 xx
We dont like currant, raisins or rum so i'm going to try just sultanas & malibu :)
Great idea, you could try adding diced pineapple if you're going to be using Malibu xx happy baking xx
Where the recipe pleases
Why didn't you beat the eggs?
I did beat my eggs??
I love your tutorials. I’ve noticed you don’t use any type of nuts in your Christmas cakes I wonder why, my dear late mother use to use nuts in her Christmas cake. I’ll give your recipe a try. Thanks for the tutorials.
Oh thank you so much for your kind words. As for the nuts, theres no particular reason why I dont add them. If you like nuts be sure to put some in. It's just for me, I just enjoy the softer texture without the hard interruption of the nuts xxx
What happened to the cherries?
I used glazed cherries?
I think you're lovely, have a nice voice but I perfer instructions to be precise and to the point. Moving along the stages quickly. But I can see your reassurances and repition (like baking with mother) would be great for novices.
Thank you Chris for your feedback on my manner. I understand your points, but in my defence, I really didn't want to be like all the other baking channels, so I decided, just to be me. I ramble sometimes, and go off track a little, but I'm not scripted, theres no retakes or editing. It's just silly old me in my kitchen trying to inspire people to get in the kitchen and bake. Xx
@@MysteryBaker And you do it brilliantly ! I love your style, it's friendly and reassuring. I always found the idea of making Christmas cake intimidating, but you have such an easy, relaxed, reassuring manner it feels like getting a tutorial in my friend's kitchen ! Have soaked the fruit and about to make the batter and cook it for 3 or 4 hours. Am really looking forward to seeing the end result ! The brandy mixed with the fruit is AMAZING. We have a strange tradition in our family where we eat instant food on Christmas Day so we can relax, open presents leisurely, watch movies together and play games, then the next day we quite often leave a few presents to open for Boxing Day as otherwise the next day can feel a bit deflating after all that build-up to Christmas Day! So we have an odd tradition of deliberately eating our Veggie roast on Boxing Day and that way we spread the joy for a little longer & still have things to look forward to the day after. We like it this way also because we all love books and giving the so this way around means we can sit and read on Christmas Day if we want, but usually end up watching the Big Fat Quiz and movies/cartoons and playing games instead. There is a lot less tension this way onChristmas Day so we tend to stick to this plan every year now ! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful recipe, am off to pop mine in the oven in the next half hour. Take care and hope everyone reading this is having a good holiday making the best of the (strange) peace we have all been forced into this year ! Hope you and yours stay safe these holidays 🤗🤗.
@@jw126 Sounds like the perfect Christmas... very easy and relaxing, you can't get much better than that!! Thank you so much for your very kind comments and as for your cake... oooh the wonderful aroma, that will permeate through your home, from your oven - will be Magical! I'd agree, it's been a different kind of Christmas but dare I say, a very unusually and surprising relaxing day. Wishing you and your family a wonderful time and enjoy the rest of your present opening on Boxing Day! 🌟🎄❤🎄🌟 xx
@@MysteryBaker We will, and thank you so much for replying ! Take care, and hope your holiday is a wonderful one. Just one question, if I may ? My cake tin is on the smaller side and did not realise before embarking on the soaking part that the cake would be huge once the batter was added 🙄😏. If I put the excess in a deep baking tray and just cover the top with a sheet of baking parchment (cut to size) would it serve the same purpose as the way you wrap yours for your round cake tin? Obviously there would be no leakage of the batter with a big, high sided oven tray so do you think that would suffice ? If I don't get a reply back I will just play it by ear and let you know if my alterations worked or not as I know not everyone has big cake tins and some may want to try a fruit cake recipe but may not be able to buy an extra tin and have to improvise like I am having to do!
@@jw126 Absolutely, just ensure you put the greaseproof paper under and up the sides, just as you would a regular cake tin. You may have to reduce baking times too, as mixture wont be as deep as it would be in a regular cake tin. I hope that helps and happy baking xxx
with out baking powder
This recipe is without baking powder, I've experimented with using baking powder but it really doesn't win on flavour and texture. Plus baking powder can cause problems for beginners as sometimes as the cake rises, the fruit sinks. Hope that helps? Xx